User Manual for Student Application 2021-2022 Bergen County Academies, Hackensack & Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro
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User Manual
for
Student Application 2021-2022
Bergen County Academies, Hackensack
&
Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro
When you register, you must provide a personal email address that you are responsible for checking throughout the
application process (December – June). We will communicate with you through this one email address only.
To ensure that you will receive all of our communication in a timely manner and that this communication is not blocked
by a firewall, we require that you DO NOT use a school email address or a business email address. You must provide one
personal email address that you plan to check regularly.
After the deadline, no information on the application can be edited including the email address.
By starting the application, all applicants taking the Bergen County Technical School
Admissions test agree to abide by the following:
“I hereby pledge to complete the assessment with honor and integrity and, in so doing, to
present work that is entirely my own, finalized without the benefit of using devices such as
phones, calculators, SMART watches or any other technology whatsoever. I will neither
receive nor provide unauthorized assistance to others in the course of or following the
administration of the test. I will not provide to any other person(s), via the posting of test
questions or answers online, or by referring to test content in person, verbally or in any
writing, e-mail, form of social media, or other form or manner whatsoever, or otherwise. I
understand that my violation of these requirements may result in the invalidation of my
application for admission.”
Updated December 3, 2021
1
Please print for your reference
Table of Contents
Page 3: User Registration for Admissions process
Page 4: Steps 1-9 of the application
Page 5-6: Admissions Testing Instructions
Page 7: Frequently Asked Questions
Before you begin your application please note the following:
• Primary residence must be in Bergen County by September 2021. If accepted, you must be registered in your town’s
school district regardless of the middle school you attend.
• Only 8th grade students can apply.
• If accepted, student will begin 9th grade year in September 2022, and graduate in 2026. Transferring into
Bergen County Academies is not permitted.
• You must have a personal email account ( example username@gmail.com) to proceed. We recommend that you use
Mozilla Firefox as your internet browser. Please allow pop-ups from the studentadmissions.bergen.org application site (see
browser’s “privacy & security” settings).
SID/NJ Smart ID Information
All applicants attending a public school in New Jersey have a SID/NJ Smart ID. It
may be located on your standardized tests or your report cards. If you are unable
to locate your SID/NJ Smart ID please ask your Guidance Counselor for assistance.
Applicants who are home-schooled or attend a private school, or a school that is
not in New Jersey will not have a SID/NJ Smart ID. Please check the appropriate
box when you register.
2Recommendation for users: Use Mozilla Firefox as your browser
User Registration for Admissions Process
When you first register, you must provide a personal email address that you are responsible for checking
throughout the application process (December – June). We will communicate with you through this one
email address only.
To ensure that you will receive all of our communication in a timely manner and that this communication is
not blocked by a firewall, we require that you do not use a school email address or a business email address.
You must provide one personal email address that you plan to check regularly.
For easy reference, record your User Name, Password, and personal Google email address here:
User Name:_____________________________________________
Password: _______________________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________________
Validation Number:________________________________________
(upon submission)
3Steps for Completing and Submitting the Online Application
Welcome to the application process for Bergen County Academies, Hackensack and Bergen County Technical High School,
Teterboro. Below is a summary of the nine steps in our online application. All steps must be completed by the application
deadline Monday, December 13, 2021 in order for your application to be considered. There are no exceptions. If you have
any questions during this process, please email Admissions@bergen.org
Step 1 Start application: Enter your User Name/Password (Log In). Click on Apply Now and enter all your personal information.
Step 2 Select Campus: This step will allow you to identify the school(s) to which you are applying. Please choose the
campus by clicking in the checkbox next to the school name. Choose the program(s) you wish to apply to. You may select
a 1st & 2nd choice program for both schools. If you are interested in applying to both schools, you must check both
boxes and select your first choice school.
Step 3 If you are applying to both schools, you must write an essay for each school.
Enter Essay for Bergen County Academies, Hackensack (first box): In 400 words or less, tell us about yourself and why you
would like to join the academy of your choice. In 100 words or less, please include your extracurricular activities and accolades
that you have received in middle school that make you a good fit for our school(s) and our district. You may list or you may write
the accolades in paragraph form. Do NOT send us any certificates unless we contact you. If your essay is longer than 500 words,
only the first 500 words will be considered. The applicant must write this essay independently without assistance.
Enter Essay for Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro (second box): In 400 words or less, tell us why you would like to
join the program of your choice.
Step 4 Enter Reference Names and their email addresses: List names of English, Math and Science teachers who will be writing your
recommendations. English & Science teachers should have taught you in grades 7 or 8. The Math teacher should be teaching you
currently in grade 8.
If you are applying to both schools, only one set of all forms is required. Students applying to the Commercial Art and Graphic
Design program at Bergen County Technical HS, Teterboro must upload heir portfolio as specified in the Teterboro admissions website).
The portfolios are due by the application deadline, and will not be returned.
Step 5 Upload Student Photo: Upload one head shot (jpg only; 2MB recommended) of the student. The photo should be passport
size 2”x 2”, preferably in a light background. No masks please. The photo will be used as identification for Admissions test
proctoring and interview purposes only.
Step 6 Review your Application: This can be done once you Submit your application (go to Step 7 then go back to Step 6)
Look over your application and make sure that all information is to your satisfaction. If you need to revise, go to Step 8.
Step 7 Submit: When you have completed your application, click Submit to receive your six-digit Validation Number.
A confirmation email will be sent automatically from our site to the email address you provided at registration. Make
sure you receive this email; check your spam / junk mail. This email address will be used for all communication between
you and us during the application process.
Step 8 Open for Edit: You may edit your application after you Submit and receive your Validation Number until the deadline
(December 13, 2021). This can be done by clicking Open for Edit. Even if you do not revise your application, and you Open for Edit
you must click Submit (Step 7) so that your six-digit Validation Number remains registered in our database.
Step 9 Print School Forms: You must print your school forms including the School Transcript, Math Recommendation, English
Recommendation, Science Recommendation and Case Manager Form (if you have a 504 plan or IEP). Please read all forms carefully and
follow the instructions. All forms must be signed by a parent/guardian and then given to the appropriate school officials by Monday,
December 13th so that the forms can be completed and returned to us as soon as possible. Discuss with your school counselor and
teachers how they would like to receive their forms (mail/email/ drop-off at school). If you take / have taken courses at the high school
level, give a School Transcript Form to the high school as well.
4Admissions Test Instructions
DUE TO THE LIMITATIONS OF ONLINE TESTING, WE ARE UNABLE TO HAVE APPLICANTS CHOOSE THEIR TEST DATE AND
TIME. WE WILL BE SELECTING YOUR TEST DATE AND TIME FOR YOU. PLEASE KEEP BOTH SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2022
& SUNDAY JANUARY 9, 2022 AVAILABLE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9:30 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. BY DECEMBER 21, 2021,
YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL PROVIDING YOUR TEST DATE & TIME. THE TEST WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS.
WE EXPECT ALL APPLICANTS TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND THEIR SCHEDULED TEST DATE & TIME.
Requirements for online testing:
In order to take the online test, you must follow the requirements below:
Computer Requirements:
Browser
We recommend that you use Mozilla Firefox as your internet browser. Please allow pop-ups from the studentadmissions.bergen.org
application site (see browser’s “privacy & security” settings).
Operating System: Windows 7 or later, Mac OS 10.8 or later
Equipment: Desktop or laptop computer (Chromebooks acceptable); must have built-in or external webcam, microphone and
speakers
Internet Connection: An upload and download speed of 2Mbps
At least 1 week before test: Install/download a screen sharing software applet Zoom so you can interact with the proctor.
Make sure that video and audio work on the computer you are using for the test. Access the practice test so that you know that your
computer is working properly.
One day before the test :
ZOOM instructions to allow proctor to verify student taking test.
Install Zoom.us on your computer; check the video tutorials as needed.
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697
Customize your Zoom profile.
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201363203-Customizing-your-profile
Profile settings
To access your Zoom profile, sign in to the Zoom web portal and click Profile. You can view and edit the following settings:
Go to Profile.
Validation Number Last Name First Name (type in same box)
5Change your sign in email to the one being used for your application:
Personal Email address that applicant entered on application
On Test Day:
Prior to starting the test, to eliminate autofill issues, clear your browsing history (recommended).
Check your computer; see that it is plugged into your power source.
Make sure that your ZOOM profile has your Validation Number and your last and first name as shown above.
Get several sheets of white scrap paper and a pencil for the test. You will tear these up in front of your webcam once the test is over.
Click on your Zoom link 5 minutes before the start of the testing time.
You must test alone in a quiet room without disruptions.
-Clear Desk and Area; no food, drink, or breaks
-Webcam, speakers, and microphone must remain on throughout the test
-No phones, headphones, calculators or SMART watches
-No dual monitors
-No leaving seat or restroom breaks permitted. If you need to leave, do so quietly while your monitor remains on.
-No talking (not even to Alexa)dditional Rulesnstructions
-You are not permitted to "save and finish later". You must complete the entire Admissions test in one sitting.
-We do recommend eating a good breakfast before taking your test.
-A student found using a cell phone during the test will automatically have their application invalidated.
Reminder:
All applicants taking the Bergen County Technical School Admissions test agree to abide by the following:
“I hereby pledge to complete the assessment with honor and integrity and, in so doing, to present work that is entirely my own,
finalized without the benefit of using devices such as phones, calculators, SMART watches or any other technology whatsoever. I
will neither receive nor provide unauthorized assistance to others in the course of or following the administration of the test. I will
not provide to any other person(s), via the posting of test questions or answers online, or by referring to test content in person,
verbally or in any writing, e-mail, form of social media, or other form or manner whatsoever, or otherwise. I understand that my
violation of these requirements may result in the invalidation of my application for admission.”
If you have questions, email Admissions@bergen.org.
6Frequently Asked Questions
1. What programs do you recommend to prepare for the Admissions process (test and interview)?
The Admissions department is not affiliated with ANY programs and/or tutors and does not make recommendations. What
we do recommend is that, prior to taking the entrance test, all applicants review middle school English and Math course
work and view the sample test on the Admissions website. Visit “Downloads” at the website (www.bergen.org) to see the
sample. The interview process is a forum for our faculty to meet and speak with prospective students and learn about their
interests.
2. Is it acceptable for me to ask my parents/ counselor/ teachers to help me write my application essay?
The Admissions Committee would like all applicants to take the initiative and complete all parts of the application including the
essay as independently as possible. The User Manual and application is designed with eighth graders in mind. Applicants having
any issues with completing the application should contact Admissions@bergen.org.
3. Can the transcript and recommendation forms be printed before the application is complete? Does the essay
have to be completed before the application is submitted? If an incomplete essay is entered in the essay box(es),
will it be read before the deadline?
These are some of the frequently asked questions that are asked by applicants as they work on their applications. The
transcript and recommendation forms can only be printed once the application is submitted. In order to distribute these
forms to the applicant’s school in a timely manner, the applicant may enter a couple of “placeholder” words in the essay
box(es), enter the reference names (Step 4) and proceed to “Submit” the application (Step 7). This will allow the applicant to
print the school forms (Step 9). However, it is the applicant’s responsibility to go back to the application (Open For Edit –
Step 8) and complete the essay before the application deadline. The Admissions Committee does not read any essays until
after the deadline. Note: Applicants must re-Submit (Step 7) every time they Open For Edit (Step 8) otherwise their
Validation Number will NOT be valid.
4. Do you accept additional recommendation letters outside of the attending middle school teachers in the
application process?
The Admissions Committee requires 3 recommendations from middle school teachers. If an applicant’s first choice is
Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, and would like to submit a letter from an Art/ Music / Theatre instructor, the letter
may be mailed to Admissions Office, Bergen County Academies, 200 Hackensack Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601 ore emailed to
Admissions@bergen.org. Otherwise, more recommendations are unnecessary.
5. When can I register for my test?
Due to the limitations of online testing, we are unable to have applicants choose their test date and time. We will be
selecting your test date and time for you. Please keep both Saturday, January 8, 2022 & Sunday January 9, 2022 available
between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. By December 21, 2021, you will receive an email providing your scheduled
test date & time.
6. What should I do if I am ill on the day of the test?
WE EXPECT ALL APPLICANTS TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND THEIR SCHEDULED TEST DATE & TIME.
If you are unable to test due to illness or for an unforeseen emergency, you must email Admissions@bergen.org on January
10, 2022 and provide documentation/doctor’s note for verification. We will provide you with the make-up test date.
7. How long is the online test?
Testing takes approximately 2 hours. You will take the English test first and then the Math test.
8. Are there any reasons for a test to be rescheduled?
In the event of power failure, the test may be postponed to a subsequent weekend. A recorded message will be available
at 201.343.6000 ext. 2321 and information will be posted on our website at www.bergen.org/admissions.
9. I have a 504 Plan/ IEP and need accommodations for the entrance test. What should I do?
Please have your Case Manager/Child Study Team complete the Case Manager Form (located in the application
Step 9) and follow the instructions to email the form to Mr. Bercovici, School Social Worker, by December 13, 2021.
710. How will I know if my daughter’s school has sent all documentation including the school transcript, report cards,
teacher recommendations and standardized test scores?
It is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit the online application and hand in forms including the School
Transcript, three Teacher Recommendations and Case Manager Form (if applicable) to the appropriate parties at their
school. There is no need to contact us to inquire if the student’s folder is complete. If any documents are missing, we
will contact the school directly using the information that the student has provided online. We advise students to hand in
school forms by the application deadline, so that there is enough time for their school to process and mail all documents
to us. Please note: Parents/ guardians must sign all forms before prior to submitting them to school.
11. When will I receive my exam results?
All students who have applied to Bergen County Academies will be notified in February about whether they will continue
in the application process Phase 2. Students who have applied to Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro will
hear from the school in mid- April only. Please note that test scores are NEVER released to applicants or parents/guardians.
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